Squier Classic Vibe Stratocaster

[Guitar-Chris]

For me, it isn't a problem, even if they were Alnico 5. They sound very bright and the bass is not "muddy" but very tight. So, the sound, that they produce is exactly the sound I like to hear. Nothing else matters.

 

[ZMAN]

Yes I just talked to another guy who has actualy changed them out and his also say STA5. Oh well like you I like them as well. Dan always changes pickups no matter what they are so that is just his thing.

 

[Spudman]

Scott at Fender just told me that the "STA5" is only a product code and they are indeed alnico 3 pickups in spite of the '5' being in the product code.

 

[Guitar-Chris]

Scott at Fender just told me that the "STA5" is only a product code and they are indeed alnico 3 pickups in spite of the '5' being in the product code.

Thanks for giving us some light in the dark.

 

[Duff]

Spud

Not to be overly negative, but the excuse that the STA5, presumably stamped on the back of the 50s and 60s CV strats, stands for a simple product code but the pickups on the 50s are actually AlNiCo 3s , sounds slightly "fishy".

On face value the A5 part suggests alnico 5, which is not a bad thing, but further investigating of the back of the 60s CV strat should proove to be revealing. If it is the same as the 50s the mystery is still not conclusively closed and would suggest that the pups are the same, 5's; if it is STA3 then the inference would be stronger than chance that the pups are alnico 3's and they got it backwards.






At China based mfg facilities, communication has been, obviously, somewhat of an impediment.

You might be correct and your research into this matter may be sufficient, but my thinking is that the mystery remains and that talking to a Squire tech would be definitely more productive. Parts mysteries seem to be commonly accepted at Fender/Squire customer service.

When I tried to find out more about those excellent pups on my '08 Squire Standard Strat, "Cherry Burst", I got the answer that they are just generic alnico pups, suppossedly Alnico 3's.

They sound as good as the duncan designed ones in the Squire Deluxe, but different, more clear and cutting.

Those duncan desiged P90 reverse wound pups on my black Squire Custom II tele definitely sound above average when compaed to generic SX P90's; leading me to believe that I should get some good P90's for my all mahogany SX set neck GG1, Gibson single cut LP Special copy with mahogany neck, that does not have the reverse wound pup. Great sustain and chime though.

BUT, all these single coils sound quieter thru my Crate V50 than on my Delta Blues or HRDx, mysteriously.

That V50, as far as my limitted expertise is concerned, is an awesome sounding amp. I'm using it extensively lately and working it relatively hard, not thrashing, but having it turned on quite frequently and fired up. I play it several hours a day. Hope this letting it get good and hot approach isn't a bad idea.

Peace,

Duffy

Maybe some pictures today! Fresh batteries are in the digital camera. No sun however, raining, possible snow type atmosphere.

Right now I'm going to try out my Schecter walnut stained omen 6 strat body style with the two chrome plated humbuckers I took out of my Epi LP std plus top. Gonna' play it right now thru the V50 straight up and turn it up a good ways. This will be fun and say something about how it sounds cranked up. I like that Omen 6. It was my first half way decent guitar in my life.

I always had a super junker acoustic guitar but nice drums until I retired and decided to get serious about guitar and get a decent electric and a decent practice amp. That first practice amp was my VOX Pathfinder 15R, followed by a drummer silencer: a Rogue 120 watt with two Eminence twelve inch speakers. There will be no, "get a real amp" with that Rogue. The clean channel is fairly decent as well and I'm keeping it in my studio area for anybody to thrash on, etc. Things I don't want happening with my nicer amps.

I do like a two twelve combo though and that's my only one. I wonder if a pro tech could improve that drive channel on that Rogue solid state amp? Pedals do a great job thru the clean side.

I'll post the LOUD comment in the V series thread in a few minutes.

Duffy

 

[ZMAN]

On another forum we have someone who is measuring them so maybe we can get a difinitive answer. I agree with Duffy. I tried a comparo with the Alnico 5s in my QMT and Cherryburst Standards. compared to the CV and the Deluxe and man those A5s in the Standards are really nice. IN fact I am thinking that I was more excited by the look of the CV and the Deluxe, than the tone. Also the QMT is probably one of the best set up guitars I own.
I will do another comparison today.
Oh well back to the drawing board. I guess as with all things when there are too many variables things get crazy. I sat and tweaked my set up again with the new Marshall, and all three of the Strats and the CV did come out on top again. I have had to tweak a lot lately because everything was set for my super clean Fender amps. I guess it is great to have the choices!